New York, Sept. 8 (Petra) — United Nations Secretary-General António
Guterres expressed deep concern on Tuesday over the escalation of
Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, particularly in
Nabatieh and surrounding areas.

In a statement issued on his behalf, Guterres condemned the rising
number of civilian casualties, including women and children killed
and injured in intensifying attacks, as well as the displacement and
suffering caused by evacuation orders and widespread destruction.

According to the statement, the UN Chief is particularly alarmed by
reports of Israeli strikes hitting hospitals, healthcare workers, and
public institutions, alongside restrictions placed on humanitarian
access.

Guterres stressed that all parties must comply with their obligations
under international law, including international humanitarian law. He
emphasized that civilians and civilian infrastructure must be
protected at all times and that direct attacks against them are
unacceptable.

The Secretary-General called on Israel to withdraw its forces from
Lebanese territory, urging all parties to respect the sovereignty and
territorial integrity of Lebanon and to fully fulfill their
commitments under UN Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006).

//Petra// AF